Da New Rigged Ship is a traditional Scottish reel, with a 3 part form. Part A & C are in Am (dorian), while part B modulates into A Major, and the banjo is tuned to aDGBD to accomodate the melody in an easy way. Incorporating both the melodic & single-string techniques, the melody is easy enough to pick, but this tune would suit the advanced picker due to the tempo and will be a great addition to your repertoire. Go to lesson...
The Kid On The Mountain is traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em (standard tuning). There are five parts to the tune, each containing some excellent picking passages that require us to accent the 3 beats found in each measure, whilst ensuring we apply an appropriate picking technique, that incorporates both the melodic & single-string techniques. Go to lesson...
Riding On A Load Of Hay is a fun polka in the key of Em (Dorian Mode – Standard Tuning), played at a fast tempo, and suited to the advancing intermediate picker. There are two parts to the tune, with a focus on the melodic technique and some interesting rhythm combinations. Go to lesson...
The Connaughtman’s Rambles is a great jig in the key of D (standard tuning), played at a fast tempo, and suited to the advanced picker. There are two parts to the tune; both of which are extremely challenging for the picking hand, with some unorthodox combinations appropriate for the movement of the melody. Go to lesson...
The Monaghan Jig is an awesome tune in the key of Em (standard tuning), played at a fast tempo, and suited to the advanced picker. There are four parts to the tune, each presenting their own challenges; melodic, single-string, 16th note rhythms plus ensuring the 6/8 feel is accented. Spend some time on this tune, it will certainly develop your picking and will be a great addition to your repertoire! Go to lesson...
‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this banjo lesson, we’ll learn two verse variations and a chorus variation. In the key of Am, first up, we’ll cover a basic, melodic version of the melody. We’ll then move on to a pretty chord melody version in the open position for the intermediate picker, with a lovely variation of harmony. The Go to lesson...
The Finnish Polka is a traditional polka, in the key of Bm. This arrangement is played in standard open G tuning gDGBD, and features the melodic technique, played at quite a brisk tempo. For the intermediate picker, the lively tune is a great technique workout, but equally as fun for the more experienced picker! Go to lesson...
Bound for South Australia is a traditional English/Australian sea shanty, that has become a popular folk song. In the key of D, this arrangement features the banjo tuning aDGBD, and has 2 variations: a single-string version down the neck, and a melodic variation up the neck. For the advancing beginner/intermediate picker, the lively tune is a great introduction for both techniques, but equally as fun for the more experienced picker! Go to lesson...
Waiting for the Federals is a traditional American Barn Dance, with a great melody, played at a brisk tempo. In this lesson, we’ll look at an arrangement with 2 variations that uses both the melodic and single-string techniques, while incorporating same tasteful embellishment and ornamentation on the melody. In the key of G, the banjo is in standard tuning, and this arrangement is suited to the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...
Mason’s Apron is a fast tempo, traditional Irish reel, in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2 string 5=A). In this lesson, we’ll learn an arrangement that uses the melodic & single-string techniques. The tune is relatively straight forward, when played at a slower tempo, but when played up to the usual tempo, does become more difficult, and is suited to the more advanced intermediate picker. Go to lesson...